11 Riveting Novels About Families And Homes

It could compellingly be argued that women's writing is at an all time high. Women are writing acclaimed fantasy and science fiction series', mysteries, and plenty of literary fiction. They're doing this everywhere from the southern United States to Australia. With all this variety available, it's easy to drill down on what you care about. If your interests are in domesticity, in families being formed and breaking apart, and what making or losing a home looks like, these are the choices for you. If not, there's still plenty to choose from. When you click links from this website, we may receive advertising revenue to support our research. This video was made with Ezvid Wikimaker.

What Is Women's Fiction?

Although the term has not been around for all that long, it identifies a practice that has been going on since the days of Jane Austen. The most basic understanding of the genre of women's fiction is that it consists of books by women that are marketed towards women, often using that term or a related one, such as chick lit. The success of books like Bridget Jones's Diary propelled the publishing industry to focus specifically on how to sell similar books to an excited audience.

It's more than a publishing niche, however. The books published under this term are broad and have a lot to offer. In a male-dominated industry, they carve out a space to explore specific issues like domesticity and romantic attraction from a woman's perspective. But they also tackle subjects like what it means to be a person in a technologically-advanced world, how to live morally in the face of adversity, and other questions that literary works have been engaging with for centuries.

Tips On Writing Women's Fiction

In Depth

A great number of popular novels appeal to a female audience. Many of these books feature stories of domestic life, love of family, and the comfort of home. These pieces of work touch on subjects that are compelling and influential to many women. From a huge selection, we have gathered some of the best books in this genre. In no particular order, here is our list of eleven.

At the #1 spot is "The Lace Reader." Set in Salem, Massachusetts, the American town famous for its witch trials, this novel tells the story of Towner Whitney. She comes from a family gifted with extraordinary abilities, including being able to predict the future through lace reading. Author Brunonia Barry cleverly depicts life in this region, mixed with a bit of suspense and magic.

Coming in at #2 is "We Are All Made of Stars." This domestic romance fiction by Rowan Coleman is filled with appealing characters who will engage readers. Stella Carey, the main character, is a hospice nurse who writes letters for her patients that detail their thoughts and final wishes. As the story unfolds, she is faced with a dilemma. A confession needs to be revealed to her patient's son before it's too late.

As the story unfolds, she is faced with a dilemma.

Next, at #3 is "Lovestruck in Los Angeles" by Rachel Schurig. Second in a five-book series, it features the story of Lizzie Medina. She is living her dream life. She left home to be with the man she loves, movie star Thomas Harper. The couple moves to Los Angeles for Thomas' new project. Lizzie is excited about the move, but she soon realizes that Hollywood is not exactly what it appears to be from the outside.

Taking the #4 spot is "Tiny Pretty Things," a young adult fiction novel that tackles the issue of discrimination. Written by Sona Charaipotra and Dhonielle Clayton, the story revolves around the lives of three ballet dancers. Gigi, being the new girl, is always being questioned as to how much she deserves the roles that she's getting. Bette is privileged and spoiled, but is constantly overshadowed by her ballet-star sister. June, a perfectionist, needs to grab the lead role in order to please her mother.

At #5, "My Clarity" is a new adult romance by international bestselling author M. Clarke. The plot centers on Alex and Elijah, two unlikely roommates. Despite their many differences, they get very close and become good friends. As the pages are turned, they try to fight their feelings for each other. They struggle to make things work, but Elijah is making it difficult for them. This is a tale of friendship and love, meshed with pain and fear.

They struggle to make things work, but Elijah is making it difficult for them.

Coming in at #6 is "Spare Change." This is the first installment in the 5-book series The Wyattsville. Written by bestselling author Bette Lee Crosby, it tells the story of Olivia Westerly, a woman grieving the loss of her husband. Her world is turned upside-down when she suddenly has to take care of an eleven-year-old boy whose parents were murdered. This book features love and family. It explores intense thoughts about the most important things in life.

At the #7 spot is "The Wife Between Us," a domestic suspense novel by authors Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen. This is a tale of obsession, featuring a love triangle between a man, his jealous ex-wife, and his new young fiance. Richard is smooth-talking, imposing and successful. He makes Nelly feel safe. However, Vanessa is feeling resentful because of the past. As the story unfolds, everything becomes complicated with unexpected twists.

Taking the #8 spot is "When We Were Worthy." Set in a small Georgia town, the story is filled with tragedy and secrecy. The plot begins with a horrific accident involving three girls from the cheerleading squad and a boy who is held responsible for their deaths. A mix of emotions, including loss, shame, and regret, overwhelm their families and friends. In this novel, author Marybeth Mayhew Whalen masterfully combines drama and suspense.

Set in a small Georgia town, the story is filled with tragedy and secrecy.

Next, at #9 is "Some Women." Written by Emily Liebert, this book follows the lives of three women who seem to not have anything in common as they form an unlikely friendship. Annabel Ford is a wife and mother whose world unravels when her husband leaves her. Piper Whitley faces a complicated situation when her child's father suddenly shows up after a long absence. Mackenzie Mead is also dealing with domestic issues, including an imperious mother-in-law and a spouse she cannot relate to.

Coming in at #10 is "The Night Garden." It is set in the town of Green Valley in upstate New York, where the Pennywort farm is located. At its very heart is a magical labyrinth where visitors can gain mental or emotional clarity. Olivia is the caretaker of the maze. Although she is surrounded by magic, she feels that her life is boring. Everything in her world changes when Sam, her childhood best friend, returns to the valley. This novel of love, forgiveness, and possibilities is by Lisa Van Allen.

Finally, at #11 is "Mists of The Serengeti" by bestselling author Leylah Attar. This intensely emotional novel follows the lives of two people brought together by their tragic past. Set in East Africa, main character Jack is a divorced man who loses his daughter in a senseless bombing. The heroine, Rodel, loses her only sister. This tale is beautifully written, featuring bits and pieces of poignant agony and fervent joy.